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Pune's monsoon season — typically June through September — brings relief from the heat but introduces a whole new set of health challenges for dogs and cats. After five years of helping pet parents at The Pet Padosi navigate this season, here are the eight most important things you should be doing.

1. Check Paws After Every Walk

Wet streets, mud, and puddles carry bacteria, fungal spores, and chemical runoff. After every walk, wipe your dog's paws thoroughly with a dry cloth or pet-safe wet wipe. Pay special attention to the spaces between the toes, where moisture accumulates and fungal infections start. Interdigital cysts are extremely common in Pune dogs during July and August.

2. Tick & Flea Prevention is Non-Negotiable

Tick populations in Pune surge during the monsoon. A single tick can transmit tick fever (Ehrlichiosis), which can be fatal if untreated. Use a vet-recommended tick preventative — either a spot-on treatment, a tick collar, or an oral tablet — before the rains begin. Check your dog's ears, neck, armpits and between toes daily.

3. Keep Ears Dry

Dogs with floppy ears — Cocker Spaniels like our Max, Labradors, Beagles — are especially prone to ear infections during the monsoon. Moisture trapped in the ear canal creates the perfect environment for yeast and bacteria. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved ear cleaner and dry them thoroughly after every bath or swim.

4. Don't Skip Grooming

Skipping grooming during the monsoon is one of the most common mistakes we see. Matted fur stays damp for hours, creating ideal conditions for skin infections. Regular trimming — especially around the paws, underbelly and ears — is essential. Our in-store grooming team is equipped for monsoon grooming.

5. Watch for Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through contaminated water and the urine of infected animals. Puddle water in Pune carries a real risk, especially in areas with street animals. Make sure your dog's Leptospirosis vaccination is current before the monsoon. Talk to your vet if you're unsure.

6. Adjust Food & Hydration

Humidity reduces a pet's desire to drink water, but their need for hydration remains the same. Add a small amount of warm water to dry kibble or offer wet food during the monsoon months. Monitor for digestive issues — loose stools and vomiting are common in monsoon as pets accidentally consume contaminated water or food.

7. Cats & Monsoon Anxiety

Many cats become anxious during heavy rain and thunder. Our Kiwi (indie rescue) disappears under the bed every July. Calming aids — pheromone diffusers, calming treats or anxiety wraps — can help. Keep indoor cats stimulated with toys so they don't fixate on the rain sounds.

8. Watch for Skin Hotspots

Hot spots — moist, red, irritated patches of skin — are extremely common in Indian dogs during the monsoon. They develop quickly and cause significant discomfort. If you notice your dog licking or biting at one spot repeatedly, check for a hotspot and visit your vet promptly. Medicated shampoos available in our store can help as a preventive measure.

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This is the question we answer most often at The Pet Padosi. Royal Canin, Farmina and Drools are three of our top-selling dog foods — but they serve very different purposes, budgets and dogs. Here's our completely honest breakdown after five years of selling all three in Pune.

Royal Canin — The Vet's Choice

Royal Canin is the gold standard when it comes to breed and life-stage specific nutrition. Their breed-specific ranges (Labrador, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahua etc.) are genuinely formulated for that breed's physical characteristics and health tendencies. Baba, our GSD, was on Royal Canin German Shepherd for years — the joint support and digestive formulation made a visible difference.

It's not cheap, and it's not grain-free. But it is consistent, safe and vet-trusted. If your dog has a diagnosed condition, Royal Canin's Veterinary range (which we stock) is often the most accessible therapeutic option available in India.

Best for: Dogs with breed-specific needs, senior dogs, dogs on vet-recommended diets, puppies of large breeds.

Farmina — The Premium Natural Choice

Farmina is an Italian brand and genuinely one of the best complete foods available in India right now. Their N&D (Natural & Delicious) range is grain-free, high in animal protein and made with human-grade ingredients. The ingredient list is clean — you won't find vague "meat derivatives" or excessive fillers.

Coco, our English Retriever, has been on Farmina N&D Pumpkin for three years. Her coat condition, energy and stool quality are noticeably better than on other foods. For dogs with sensitive stomachs or skin issues — both common in Pune due to the heat and humidity — Farmina is often our first recommendation.

Best for: Dogs with skin or coat issues, dogs with grain sensitivity, owners who want clean-label premium nutrition.

Drools — The Smart Everyday Choice

Drools is an Indian brand and significantly more affordable than the others, but it's not a budget compromise. For healthy adult dogs without specific dietary needs, Drools Focus Adult is a genuinely solid daily food. It's widely available, consistently manufactured, and dogs eat it willingly.

Pixi, our Chihuahua, does perfectly fine on Drools Focus Small Breed. For small breeds without health complications, it's our honest everyday recommendation.

Best for: Budget-conscious pet parents, healthy adult dogs without special needs, small to medium breeds.

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Pune has a large stray dog population, and more residents than you'd imagine want to help — but aren't sure where to start, what's safe, or how to do it in a way that's sustainable. Salome has been feeding and supporting strays in Salunkhe Vihar since before The Pet Padosi existed. This is her practical guide.

Start With Consistent Feeding — Same Time, Same Place

Strays develop trust through routine. Feed at the same spot and the same time every day — ideally early morning or early evening. Use dry kibble rather than cooked food, which spoils quickly and attracts other animals. Basic puppy kibble like Purepet or Drools Puppy works well for adult strays too.

Clean Water is More Important Than Food

In Pune's summers, dehydration is a bigger killer than starvation for strays. Place a large water bowl near your feeding spot and rinse and refill it daily. In the monsoon, ensure it doesn't become a stagnant breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Learn the ABC Programme

Pune Municipal Corporation runs an Animal Birth Control (ABC) programme where strays are sterilised and vaccinated before being returned to their territory. If you see unsterilised strays in your area, contact Pune's animal welfare organisations to arrange pickup. Sterilised dogs have a notched or tipped ear — this is how you identify them.

Don't Feed From Your Hand Immediately

A stray dog that isn't used to humans can bite out of fear, even if it's not aggressive by nature. Let the dog see you place the food and walk away. Over several weeks, reduce the distance. Building trust takes time — don't rush it, especially around children.

What to Do if You Find an Injured Stray

Do not try to pick up an injured stray without proper protection — even a gentle dog will bite in pain. Call RESQ at 7888009365 (Pune) for emergency rescue. Keep the dog calm, don't try to move it, and stay nearby to guide the rescue team when they arrive.

Supporting Rescues Without Feeding Directly

Not everyone can commit to daily feeding — and that's completely fine. You can help by donating food, supplies or funds to local rescue organisations. At The Pet Padosi, we accept food and supply donations on behalf of RESQ and Paws Pune. Drop anything off at our store in Salunkhe Vihar and we'll ensure it reaches them.

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Grooming isn't just about how your dog looks — it's about health. Regular grooming prevents matting, skin infections, ear problems and nail overgrowth. But choosing the right groomer in Pune, especially for specific breeds, requires some care.

What to Ask Any Groomer Before Booking

• Do you have experience with my specific breed? (Double-coated breeds like GSDs, and small breeds like Chihuahuas, require very different handling.)
• Do you use cage dryers? (High-heat cage dryers are linked to heatstroke deaths in dogs — avoid any groomer that uses them.)
• Will my dog be kept in a crate between services? For how long?
• Can I stay and watch? A good groomer will always say yes.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

• No clear pricing until after the service
• Refusing to let you watch or stay nearby
• Dogs visibly stressed or barking excessively in the background
• No separate space for cats and dogs
• Groomer can't name the products they use on your pet's skin

What Our In-Store Grooming Covers

At The Pet Padosi, our grooming service is handled by experienced groomers familiar with the breeds most common in Pune — Labradors, GSDs, Cocker Spaniels, Indie breeds, Persians and more. Every session includes:

• Pre-groom brush out and detangling
• Bath with breed-appropriate shampoo and conditioner
• Blow-dry (hand dryer only — no cage drying)
• Trimming and scissor finishing where required
• Nail clipping and filing
• Ear cleaning and inspection
• Paw pad moisturising

How Often Should You Groom?

Short-coated breeds (Labradors, Chihuahuas): every 6–8 weeks. Long-coated breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Persians): every 4–6 weeks. Double-coated breeds (GSD): every 6–8 weeks with seasonal de-shedding in summer and post-monsoon.

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Cats evolved in arid environments and have a naturally low thirst drive — they're biologically designed to get most of their hydration from the prey they eat. This means a cat fed exclusively dry kibble in Pune's climate is, almost by definition, chronically under-hydrated. Our White Persian Milo showed us this the hard way.

The Problem with Dry-Only Diets in India

Dry kibble typically contains 8–10% moisture. A cat's natural prey contains 70–75% moisture. When you feed exclusively dry food, your cat needs to compensate by drinking significantly more water — but most cats simply don't. The result over months and years is a strain on the kidneys, concentrated urine, and a dramatically increased risk of urinary tract disease, crystals and kidney disease.

Urinary tract issues are among the most common reasons cats are brought to Pune vets. In many cases, the underlying cause is chronic low-level dehydration.

Signs Your Cat May Be Dehydrated

• Passing small amounts of urine or straining in the litter box
• Urine that is very dark yellow or has a very strong smell
• Dry or tacky gums
• Lethargy, especially in summer
• Skin that doesn't spring back quickly when gently pinched

What We Now Recommend at The Pet Padosi

After Milo was diagnosed with early kidney stress at age four, we shifted him to a mixed diet — dry food in the morning, wet food in the evening. His bloodwork normalised within three months. We now recommend this approach to almost every cat owner who walks into the store.

Water Fountain vs Water Bowl

Many cats prefer running water to still water — an instinct from the wild, where still water is more likely to be contaminated. A pet water fountain (we stock several at The Pet Padosi) can dramatically increase how much your cat drinks daily. It's one of the single most impactful changes a cat owner can make.

Veterinary Diets for Kidney & Urinary Health

For cats already showing signs of kidney stress or urinary issues, veterinary therapeutic diets are often recommended. We stock Royal Canin Renal, Hill's k/d and Purina Pro Plan UR in-store. These are available with or without a prescription — WhatsApp us and we can advise based on your vet's recommendation.

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We get asked about veterinary food almost every day. Many pet parents have been prescribed it by their vet and aren't sure where to find it in Pune. Others have heard about it and wonder if their healthy pet should be on it. Here's everything you need to know, in plain language.

What Makes a Food "Veterinary" or "Prescription"?

Veterinary pet foods are specially formulated to manage specific medical conditions — kidney disease, diabetes, urinary crystals, liver problems, skin allergies, obesity, joint issues and more. They're not "better" than regular premium food for healthy pets — they're therapeutic, meaning they're designed to treat or manage a diagnosed condition, often by restricting certain nutrients or adding specific compounds.

They're called "prescription diets" because they're typically recommended by a vet following diagnosis, not because you legally require a prescription to purchase them in India.

The Main Brands We Stock

• Royal Canin Veterinary: The most widely available vet diet in India. Covers renal, digestive, urinary, hepatic, cardiac, hydrolysed protein (allergies), weight management and more. Available for both dogs and cats.
• Hill's Prescription Diet: American brand, clinically researched. Strong in kidney (k/d), urinary (c/d), liver (l/d) and metabolic weight ranges. Very popular with Pune vets.
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets: Covers urinary, gastrointestinal, dermatology and joint ranges. Often more affordable than Hill's for equivalent therapeutic function.

Common Conditions That Require Vet Food

• Kidney disease (CKD): Royal Canin Renal / Hill's k/d — low phosphorus, controlled protein
• Urinary crystals/FLUTD: Royal Canin Urinary SO / Hill's c/d — pH-balancing, increased moisture
• Food allergies/IBD: Royal Canin Hydrolysed Protein / Hill's z/d
• Liver disease: Royal Canin Hepatic / Hill's l/d
• Obesity/diabetes: Royal Canin Satiety / Hill's Metabolic
• Joint issues: Royal Canin Mobility / Hill's j/d

Can You Buy Vet Food Without a Prescription at The Pet Padosi?

Yes — in India, veterinary pet foods do not legally require a written prescription to purchase. However, we strongly recommend you have a vet recommendation before buying a therapeutic diet. We're happy to advise based on your vet's diagnosis and stock the specific variant they've recommended. We can also order specific ranges not on our shelf within 2–4 days.

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